The 2022 KTM RC390 of Supersport has taken inspiration from the highest levels of 2-wheel motorsport, bringing race bike DNA to the streets.Drawing from track-racing technology and design, the KTM RC line-up features an all-new chassis, dramatically improved ergonomics and electronics upgrades, which once again makes it primed and ready to take on the Supersports segment in a truly READY TO RACE fashion.
The range-topping 2022 KTM RC 390 is a high-performance Supersport machine featuring the latest street bike technology and styling based on the KTM RC16 MotoGP™ racer, making it a competitive and exciting package on the race track as well as on the street.
The most immediately obvious difference between the new generation KTM RC range and the previous, is the Grand Prix inspired redesign with two all-new colorways per model. Not only cosmetic, the bodywork, subframe and overall shape is specifically tailored to allow for improved aerodynamics, as well as rider comfort.
The optimized design for improved wind and weather protection was created using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, which has also resulted in improved heat management by using a combination of inner and outer body panels to direct air flow away from the rider.
In addition, the bodywork panels have been re-engineered to be easily removable by reducing the number of screws and fixtures, which not only allows for easier servicing, but also saves time in the pits at the track. This also helped with the development of a narrower knee area which is ergonomically shaped to allow for smoother, more intuitive rider movement, with the largest possible contact area.
The rear body work is also dramatically shaved down to add to the overall visual impact of the silhouette, but has also been designed to provide improved pillion comfort with thicker seat foam. For 2022, the new 13.7 liter tank design has taken its inspiration directly from our Grand Prix machines, providing improved rider weight balance and distribution as well as overall riding range.
FEATURES –
• Grand Prix-inspired fairing design
• All-new LED headlight
• New integrated front blinker and position light
• Sharper, more aggressive taillight design
• New aerodynamic, foldable mirrors
• New rider and pillion seat
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
Races are won in the corners. For that reason, the KTM RC range has seen drastic improvements to the chassis, with a focus on saving weight without compromising on durability. An all-new frame, new lightweight wheels and changes to the overall frame stiffness offer greatly improved feel and compliance when being pushed to the limits – both on the road and on the track. Split functionality open cartridge forks, gives rider comfort on the way to the track, then delivering high end damping performance on track
2022 KTM RC390 features completely new suspension with 43 mm WP APEX split functionality, open cartridge forks, allowing riders a wide range of adjustability, with 30 clicks for compression on the left fork and 30 clicks for rebound on the right fork. This ensures ultimate comfort on the way to the track, then delivering high end damping performance when lining up on the grid. An adjustable WP APEX shock absorber takes control at the rear, offering 5 clicks on rebound on preload adjustability.
Not only lighter, but stronger, the 2022 KTM RC range sees a completely new wheel design which saves 3.4 kg over the previous generation RC range. The wheels were designed to have fewer spokes and open hubs, reducing rotating unsprung mass to improve the overall handling. The entire KTM RC range also makes use of 110/70-17 rubber on the front, which is complemented by a beefy 150/60-17 tire on the rear, that only improves overall grip and handling performance, but also provides a sportier, overall look.
BRAKES
The faster you go, the better your brakes need to be. For that reason, the KTM RC range features a generously specced braking system to cope with higher top speeds, but also to save weight. These all-new braking components save 960 g over the previous generation RC range, and is further supported by the state-of-the-art, SUPERMOTO ABS package as standard.
On the front, the radially mounted 4-piston-fixed ByBre caliper is combined with a 320 mm brake disk, with a 230 mm rear disc brake with a one-piston fixed caliper on the rear. This provides class-leading braking power, both on street and track surfaces. In addition, KTM RC 390 is equipped with adjustable clutch and brake levers as standard.
Each model in the 2022 KTM RC range features a state-of-the-art, liquid cooled, single- cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection. This has been a major selling point over the years, with 2022 seeing an improvement in overall performance, while complying with the latest Euro5 emissions regulations.
A new, 40% larger airbox allows the KTM RC range to breathe more freely, which results in more torque, providing improved throttle response and acceleration throughout the rev range. New ambient sensors have also been fitted to the airbox, which help regulate the engine mapping. Smoother, more efficient power delivery makes for an all-round better ride, with the 2022 KTM RC390 receiving completely new engine mapping, which allows the fitment of Quickshifter+.
The 2022 KTM RC range features an entirely new exhaust system, complete with stainless steel header pipes and an aluminum muffler, saving weight and providing a distinct, racy soundtrack. A winning formula of four valves, actuated by two overhead camshafts and cam levers provides extreme reliability, but also offers low friction thanks to the ultra-hard carbon coating of the cam levers – releasing even more power. The piston is cooled by an oil spray nozzle, which runs in a continuous and low-friction nikasil-coated aluminum wet bushing with open-deck design. This provides smooth acceleration whenever you chase the rev-limiter.
The KTM RC range makes use of a close ratio 6-speed gearbox with short lever travel and light spring action, which ensures fast and easy shifting. The KTM RC 390 is fitted as standard with a slipper clutch, which protects riders from unwanted rear-wheel lockup when gearing down. The slipper clutch opens when the engine back-torque becomes too
high, preventing the rear wheel from locking up to ensure maximum control. The slipper clutch also allows for super-light clutch action – handy when you need to slot the gears in quickly. Setting the benchmark for the lightweight Supersport segment, the 2022 KTM RC range brings the fight not only to the track, but to the street with real-world technological advancements.
All models in the KTM RC line-up feature SUPERMOTO ABS as standard. The KTM RC 390 makes use of a new Bosch 9.1 MP module, while the rest of the range utilizes a Bosch
10.1 MB module. SUPERMOTO ABS does three things. First, functionality is deactivated on the rear wheel, allowing the rider to lock up the rear wheel, and effectively slide into a corner. Secondly, all electronics which detect rear wheel lift up are disabled, allowing for harder braking until excessive front wheel slip is detected. Lastly, cornering functionality, such as cornering ABS, is disabled where applicable.
MY22 KTM RC 390
The KTM RC 390 features an impressive technology pack as standard, usually only available on bigger and more expensive motorcycles. Along with the SUPERMOTO ABS system, the KTM RC 390 is fitted with Cornering ABS, which ensures maximum braking performance under all conditions, as well as a new lean-angle sensor with cornering MTC with 3D sensors, which reacts immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the riding situation. This reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention in a matter of milliseconds, ensuring traction is maintained at all times, allowing riders to enjoy the full power of the 390 engine under all circumstances.
Quickshifter+ allows riders to work the gearbox, both for up and downshifts, without the need to pull the clutch lever. This results in quicker shift times, a more precise and smoother ride, since clutch actuation and backing off the throttle are no longer required, with improved rear wheel traction.
The 2022 KTM RC390 is fitted with an all new LED headlights, providing a powerful light beam and a very wide spread of light, guaranteeing optimum visibility and a distinctive KTM look.
All models across range are also fitted with LED daylight running lights (DRL), which adds a distinctive, RC-specific look and adds to overall visibility, while a new LED tail light with integrated indicators perfectly matches the sharp lines of the RC, while improving nighttime visibility for other road users.
Motorcycle information is critical when pushing the limits meaning the KTM RC 390 is fitted with all-new TFT color displays with all the important information available at glance. The
TFT display also automatically adapts its brightness to ambient light, making it easier to see when it starts getting dark, or when riding through a tunnel. This also allows for the fitment of KTM MY RIDE, which connects to the rider’s smartphone, giving access to music and incoming calls via the switchgear.
